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Whaleback Inn

Property class: 2.5
Hotel near Van's Beach in Leland

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Whaleback Inn

A clear lake with kayaks and a dock with chairs.
A wooden cabin with large windows, a covered porch, and a stone foundation.
A wooden deck with a bench and chairs overlooking a lake.
A cozy living room with a stone fireplace, wooden shelves, a large plant, and a patterned rug.
A bedroom with a large bed, a wooden headboard, a nightstand, a lamp, and a view of a lake through a sliding door.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
1757 N Manitou Trail, Leland, MI, 49654
  • Place, Lake Leelanau
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Historic Fishtown
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Van's Beach
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪42 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Lake View

A hotel room with two beds, wooden headboards, a ceiling fan, and a wooden desk with a lamp.

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Lake View

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(10 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View

A bedroom with a skylight, a wooden bed, a chair, a desk, and a bathroom with a shower.

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Lake view
  • 450 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Traditional Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View

A bedroom with a wooden bed, two bedside lamps, a window, and a mirror above the desk.

Traditional Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Lake View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking

A bedroom with a bed, a wooden headboard, a nightstand, a lamp, a mirror, and a window with blinds.

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Apartment (Cottage Suite)

A compact living space with a kitchenette, a green sofa, a wooden coffee table, and patterned armchairs.

Apartment (Cottage Suite)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 495 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Single Room, 1 Queen Bed, Lakeview with Loveseat

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, two chairs, a window with a view, and two wall lamps.

Single Room, 1 Queen Bed, Lakeview with Loveseat

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • Lake view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Leland

On lake.Within 2 miles (3 km) of this Leland hotel, you'll find Van's Beach and Historic Fishtown. Also, Manitou Island Transit is within 2 miles (3 km) and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Lake Leelanau - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Historic Fishtown - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Van's Beach - 2 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 5 min drive - 5.4 miles
  • Leelanau Sands Casino - 16 min drive - 15.1 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪VI Grill - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Roman Wheel Pizza & Subs - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Village Cheese Shanty - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Fiddleheads - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Hive Coffee Co. - ‬13 min drive

About this property

Whaleback Inn

Hotel near Van's Beach in Leland
As a guest of Whaleback Inn, you'll find a terrace, a garden, and a picnic area. WiFi is free in public spaces. Free self parking is available.

This Leland hotel is smoke free.

  • 18 guestrooms or units
  • 5 buildings
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
Whaleback Inn offers 18 air-conditioned accommodations with hair dryers and complimentary toiletries. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access.

Bathrooms include showers. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Exterior
Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge
Suttons Bay
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • 24/7 front desk
4.2 out of 5, Very Good, 687 reviews
$200 nightly
The price is $212
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Total with taxes and fees
Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • TV

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between October 27 and April 15.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Cash is not accepted. 

Property is also known as

Whaleback Inn Leland
Whaleback Leland
Whaleback Inn Hotel
Whaleback Inn Leland
Whaleback Inn Hotel Leland

Frequently asked questions

How close is Whaleback Inn to the airport?

Whaleback Inn is 29.6 mi (45-min drive) away from the Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Whaleback Inn?

As of Aug 13, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Whaleback Inn on Sep 7, 2026 start from $308, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Whaleback Inn have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Whaleback Inn.

How close is Whaleback Inn to the beach?

This hotel is 1.3 mi (2-min drive) from Van's Beach.

Does Whaleback Inn offer free breakfast?

Whaleback Inn does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Whaleback Inn?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Leelanau Sands Casino (19-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Whaleback Inn?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Whaleback Inn?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Whaleback Inn have a pool?

Whaleback Inn does not have a pool.

Does Whaleback Inn have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Whaleback Inn to downtown Leland?

Whaleback Inn is 1.1 mi away from Leland.

Whaleback Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 158 out of 183 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 183 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 183 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 183 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 183 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

steve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Nice room, great location, welcoming staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice stay
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Paige

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Such a beautiful place, great staff, perfect location, I will stay there again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Vicki

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This place is located on the edge of Leland where it is peaceful and has a beautiful view of the lake. We were so blessed to be able to stay there. We highly recommend staying there when you are in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cumbee

Fanadtic place lovely owners. Clean ...beautiful gardens
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The Best of Rustic and Amenities

This is a great place to stay! Rustic but with modern amenities. The Inn keepers are wonderful - helpful and friendly but not obtrusive. We will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Carlina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice view of Lake and Rachel the Innkeeper was most attentive.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Steve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything was wonderful! A super fun weekend. Will definitely come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

john

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The facilities and staff were first rate.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Evelyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Water view…homey…great location to town..quiet…lots of area to sit and relax…would highly recommend
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Adorable place with exceptional hospitality!

What an adorable place with impeccable service and hospitality! Can’t wait to go back!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My husband and I both said we would love to revisit this resort.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

KatieLynn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The entire experience at the Whaleback Inn was like stepping into a small town romance novel. Every cabin was cozy and the owners were very welcoming and hospitable. There was a great community area and ample outdoor seating on the porch, property, and pier that gave the best views. We absolutely loved our time there and will be booking again soon!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Whaleback Inn Is Lovely

I would stay at the Whaleback Inn again in a minute. The staff was wonderful and helpful, the location beautiful and the rooms great. Loved the view!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cleanest, friendliest place we’ve ever stayed. Will definitely go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jorge

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, quiet and close to everything
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was one of the most beautiful and unique inns we’ve ever stayed at. A great location with a lovely view of the water and dock for us to go out on. The staff was warm and welcoming and the grounds felt safe and homey. highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice wooded area with comfortable housing and convenient amenities.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

MARCIA

Love the simplicity and uniqueness! No boxy holiday inn!!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Book it!

It was amazing! Great location, the inn keepers were great, room clean.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We really enjoyed our stay, the owner Drew made sure we felt welcomed when we first arrived and gave us a very thorough tour of the property. Both Ty and Rachel (who were the innkeepers) were always very approachable with any of our needs throughout the trip, including with helping us get situated with the onsite kayak rentals. We definitely plan to be back, as this place had a nice remote feeling and gorgeous up close view of Lake Leelanau!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Marianne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Third year that we’ve enjoyed the world back in. Perfect setting, beautiful place, and the staff was wonderful
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Bruce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Location and view to water was beautiful. The rooms were very outdated and the beds not comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
View of the lake is nice, front porch socializing very nice
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Daphne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cozy atmosphere
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

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